The Annapolis Valley Funeral Home , opened its doors for business in November 2004. Through the initiative of a group of Valley residents who wanted to offer to the public the option of greater price transparency surrounding funeral costs - the Valley Funeral Home Co-Operative Ltd. was born. With the faith & belief that the co-operative movement was what the village & surrounding areas needed; the sale of co-op memberships & shares showed the founders they were right & the facility that was so long talked about (10years) , became a reality with the ground breaking in April 2004. A bright, modern facility was built to serve the growing population of the Annapolis Valley, Windsor to Digby. Conveniently located in Coldbrook there is  ample parking and no traffic congestions, this funeral home was established so it could offer to our community & areas an alternative to funeral pricing.

The manager, funeral director and embalmer is Max H. Lockhart Jr. with 17 years in funeral profession. The office administrator who has 20 years of  funeral home administration experience and licensed for pre need sales, takes care of the office details. Max Sr.. fully licensed for 45 years and 2 part time employees rounds out the funeral assistant team. Eva VanBuskirk is our resident chaplain. An insurance agent representing Assurant Life of Canada (Purple Shield/ Family Side) is available to offer families the opportunity of pre-funding their plans.

                                                The Funeral Ritual
                                                                                   
Funerals are an important part of the healing process after someone we love has passed on
       They help us to come to terms with the reality of death;
       They are a time to remember;
       They are a time for community and mutual support;
       They are a time to say goodbye;
       They are a time of transition from life before death to life after death.

The funeral ritual is organized to help accomplish each of the elements above. Let the staff of the Annapolis Valley Funeral Home help you prepare for the service of your choice.

The Visitation - Sometimes called the “wake”, spending time with the deceased is a time for family and friends to see your loved one for the last time and truly begin to come to terms with the reality of death. The casket can be open or closed, and visitation is a personal and cultural choice.

The Tribute - Sometimes called the “reflection or eulogy or remembrance”, the tribute is part of the funeral ceremony and is a personal reflection from one or several people on the life of your loved one passed. The tribute may be delivered in our chapel, in a place of worship or in an environment chosen by you.

The Procession - Sometimes called the “motorcade”, the procession is the orderly transportation of your loved one to their final resting place. A symbol of mutual support and public honoring of the death, it is led by the deceased in the funeral coach and is followed by family and friends.
                                                                                                                         
The Committal - Sometimes called “interment or entombment or scattering ceremony”, the committal brings finality to the funeral ritual as family and friends offer their final private thoughts to your loved one.

The Gathering - Sometimes called “the celebration or the reception”, the reception is an informal time for family to say thank you to friends who shared in the funeral ritual. It can take place anywhere the family chooses and is a time to offer condolence and mutual support and to begin the transition of life after death.

Burial or Cremation ? - Choosing the method of care for your loved one after death is a personal decision and in some cases, a religious or cultural one. Whatever your preference, we encourage you to consider including each of the elements in the funeral ritual as they are an integral part of the healing process from moving from life before death to life after death.

 
****   Adapted from the writings of Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Director, Centre for Loss and Life Transition, Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Wolfelt is one of North America’s most respected grief educators and is the author of many books including, “Creating Meaningful Funeral Ceremonies: A Guide for Families.”